Grasping jaw mechanism

ABSTRACT

A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a first grasping mode of operation and a second clamping mode of operation. The handle assembly includes a rotation control member and an articulation lever. The rotation control member is configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated member with respect to the handle assembly. The articulation lever is configured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated member. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly configured to clamp and staple tissue in the second clamping mode of operation of the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/062,389 filed on Jan. 25, 2008, andis also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/200,057 filed Aug. 28, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/544,061 filed on Oct. 6, 2006, all of which areincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling device and, moreparticularly, to an endoscopic surgical stapling device configured tooperate a tool assembly in a grasping mode independent of a clampingand/or firing mode.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical devices wherein tissue is first grasped or clamped betweenopposing jaw structure and then joined by surgical fasteners are wellknown in the art. The fasteners are typically in the form of surgicalstaples, but two-part polymeric fasteners can also be utilized.

Instruments for this purpose can include a tool assembly with twoelongated members which are respectively used to capture or clamptissue. Typically, one of the members carries a staple cartridge whichhouses a plurality of staples arranged, for example, in at least twolateral rows while the other member has an anvil that defines a surfacefor forming the staple legs as the staples are driven from the staplecartridge. In some staplers, the stapling operation is effected by cambars that travel longitudinally through the staple cartridge, with thecam bars acting upon staple pushers for sequentially ejecting thestaples from the staple cartridge. A knife can travel between the staplerows for longitudinally cutting the stapled tissue between the rows ofstaples. Such staplers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,250,532 and6,241,139, each of which are currently owned by Tyco Healthcare GroupLP, and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, surgery is performed throughsmall incisions or through small diameter cannulas inserted throughsmall entrance wounds in the skin. Due to the limited degree of motionof an instrument when it is positioned through the skin, it may be quitedifficult for a surgeon to manipulate the tool assembly of theinstrument around body tissue to access and/or clamp the tissue site.Instruments having rotatable endoscopic body portions and rotatableand/or articulatable tool assemblies have been developed to overcomethis problem and are commercially available. Although these instrumentsprovide significant improvements in the endoscopic tool art, furtherimprovements that may decrease the time required for surgical proceduresand allow easier access to tissue sites are desired.

Accordingly, a continuing need exists for an endoscopic or laparoscopicsurgical device having a tool assembly which can be quickly and easilymanipulated between different modes of operation.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, a surgical stapling device isprovided which includes a handle assembly having a movable handle, anelongated member, and a disposable loading unit (“DLU”). The DLUincludes a tool assembly positioned at a distal end having an anvilassembly and a cartridge assembly. The elongated member is rotatablysecured to the handle assembly. The tool assembly is a stapling deviceand the handle assembly includes a grasping pawl which is movable intoengagement with an actuation shaft or actuation member to allow the toolassembly to be operated in a grasper mode. More specifically, thegrasping pawl is manipulated by a pair of slide buttons slidablypositioned on opposed sides of the handle assembly and is selectivelymovable into engagement with the actuation shaft to allow the actuationshaft to move a distance which will, upon operation of the movablehandle, effect approximation of cartridge and anvil assemblies of thetool assembly, but will not affect the firing of staples.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a rotation control member isrotatably mounted to the forward end of the handle assembly tofacilitate rotation of elongated member with respect to the handleassembly.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical device comprisesan end effector; an endoscopic shaft defining a longitudinal axis; and ahandle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a longitudinally movableactuation member and a pivotable handle having an engagement membermovably mounted with respect to the pivotable handle and arranged topivot with the pivotable handle. The device also includes a depressiblebutton arranged to engage the engagement member and move the engagementmember between a first position in which the engagement member moves theactuation member longitudinally and a second position in which theengagement member does not move the actuation member.

The engagement member, in certain embodiments, has an arm slidablymounted on the pivotable handle and a pawl pivotably mounted withrespect to the arm. The actuation member has a plurality of teeth andthe pawl slides over the teeth when the engagement member is in thesecond position. The pawl engages the teeth when the engagement memberis in the first position.

The handle assembly may have an advancement pawl movable with thepivotable handle and biased into engagement with the actuation member.The advancement pawl is arranged to engage teeth of the actuation memberand move the actuation member longitudinally when the engagement memberis in the second position.

The surgical device in certain embodiments has a locking member biasedinto engagement with the actuation member, to prevent longitudinalmovement of the actuation member. A disconnect assembly having an angledstepped portion is arranged to engage the locking member and move thelocking member away from the actuation member. The disconnect assemblyincludes a first link, having the angled stepped portion, and a secondlink pivotably attached to the first link at a first end and pivotablyattached to the pivotable handle at a second end of the second link. Thefirst link and the second link are dimensioned so that the angledstepped portion does not engage the locking member when the engagementmember is in the first position.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, an articulation lever ismounted adjacent the rotation control member to facilitate articulationof the tool assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling device aredisclosed herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the presently disclosed surgicalstapling device;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the proximal end of the surgicalstapling device shown in FIG. 1, with parts separated;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional rear perspective view taken along sectionline 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the spring support of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vertical pawl of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the locking cam of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the toothed rack of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the grasping pawl arm rotated 90°from the depiction shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side cross sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 14, illustrating the handle assembly in clamping/firing mode;

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view taken along section line 16-16 ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view with portions broken away of thehandle assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1, withthe housing removed;

FIG. 18 illustrates the grasping pawl of FIG. 15 engaging the toothedrack;

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view, illustrating the movable handlepivoted towards the stationary handle;

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view, illustrating the vertical pawlbiased into the downward position by the locking cam;

FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view, illustrating the movable handlebiased away from the stationary handle;

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view, illustrating the actuation shaftin the retracted position; and

FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view, illustrating the vertical pawlin the upward position and slide button in the upward position causingthe grasping pawl to engage the toothed rack.

FIG. 24 is a side perspective of the handle assembly of the presentlydisclosed stapling device with a housing half-section removed andincluding an alternative embodiment of the grasping pawl assembly;

FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of the movable handle and graspingpawl assembly of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 24 with partsseparated;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view from the distal end of the grasper adapterblock assembly of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 24 with partsseparated;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view from the proximal end of the adapter blockassembly shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the vertical pawl of the handleassembly shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly shown inFIG. 24 in the nest position;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 29 with the movable handle actuated in the grasper mode;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 29 with the movable handle actuated and the grasper modedeactivated;

FIG. 33 is a side view of the handle assembly of the presently disclosedsurgical stapling device with a housing half-section removed andincluding an alternative embodiment of a grasper jaw mechanism ingrasper mode prior to advancement of the actuation shaft;

FIG. 33A is a side view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 33 with thegrasper jaw mechanism in a firing mode and the movable handle partiallycompressed;

FIG. 34 is a side view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 33 with thegrasper jaw mechanism in grasper mode and the actuation shaft advancedto move a DLU to a clamped position;

FIG. 34A is a side view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 3A with thegrasper jaw mechanism in firing mode and the movable handle in anon-compressed position;

FIG. 34B is an enlarged, side perspective view of a portion of thehandle assembly shown in FIG. 34A illustrating the grasper jaw mechanismin firing mode;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged side perspective view of a portion of the handleassembly shown in FIG. 34 illustrating the actuator assembly of thegrasper jaw mechanism in grasper mode;

FIG. 35A is a front cutaway view of a portion of the handle assemblyshown in FIG. 35 illustrating the actuator assembly of the grasper jawmechanism in grasper mode;

FIG. 35B is another enlarged side perspective view of a portion of thehandle assembly shown in FIG. 34 illustrating the actuator assembly ofthe grasper jaw mechanism in grasper mode;

FIG. 35C is another front cutaway view of a portion of the handleassembly shown in FIG. 35 illustrating the actuator assembly of thegrasper jaw mechanism in grasper mode;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged side perspective view of a portion of the handleassembly shown in FIG. 34A illustrating the actuator assembly of thegrasper jaw mechanism in firing mode; and

FIG. 36A is a front cutaway view of a portion of the handle assemblyshown in FIG. 34A illustrating the actuator assembly of the grasper jawmechanism in firing mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed grasping jaw mechanism will nowbe described in detail with reference to the drawings in which likereference numerals designate identical or corresponding element in eachof the several views.

Throughout this description, the term “proximal” will refer to theportion of the device closest to the operator and the term “distal” willrefer to the portion of the device furthest from the operator.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the presently disclosed surgicalstapling device shown generally as 10. Surgical stapling device 10includes a handle assembly 13, an elongated member 14 extending distallyfrom handle assembly 13, and a disposable loading unit (“DLU”) 16releasably secured to a distal end of elongated member 14. DLU 16includes a proximal body portion 29 which forms an extension ofelongated member 14, and a distal tool assembly 27 including a cartridgeassembly 26 and an anvil assembly 28. Cartridge assembly 26 and anvilassembly 28 further define a pair of jaws. Tool assembly 27 is pivotallyconnected to body portion 29 about an axis substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of elongated member 14. Cartridge assembly 26houses a plurality of staples. Anvil assembly 28 is movable in relationto cartridge assembly 26 between an open position spaced from cartridgeassembly 26 and an approximated or clamped position in juxtaposedalignment with cartridge assembly 26. Tool assembly 27 may alternativelybe arranged such that cartridge assembly 26 is movable in relation toanvil assembly 28. DLU 16 is configured to apply linear rows of staplesmeasuring from about 30 mm to about 60 mm in length. DLU's having linearrows of staples of other lengths are also envisioned, e.g., 45 mm.

Handle assembly 13 includes a stationary handle 18, a movable handle 20,and a barrel portion 19. A rotation control member 22 is rotatablymounted at the forward end of barrel portion 19 to facilitate rotationof elongated member 14 with respect to handle assembly 13. Rotationcontrol member 22 is formed from molded plastic half-sections 12 a and12 b, although other materials, e.g., metals, and manufacturing methodsare envisioned. An articulation lever 24 is also mounted on the forwardend of barrel portion 19 adjacent rotation control member 22 tofacilitate articulation of tool assembly 27. U.S. Patent No. 5,865,361to Milliman et al., which is owned by Tyco Healthcare, LP, describes arotation control assembly and articulation assembly for a surgicalstapling apparatus and is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

A pair of retractor knobs 15 is movably positioned along barrel portion19 to return device 10 to a retracted position, as will be described indetail below (see FIG. 1). A pair of recesses 42 (see FIG. 2) in opposedlateral faces of movable handle 20 are dimensioned for slidablyreceiving slide buttons or switches 40 and 45, respectively (see FIG.3). Slide button 40 is operatively associated with slide button 45, suchthat movement of one effects movement of the other. Slide buttons 40 and45 are configured to alternate device 10 between a “grasping” mode and a“firing” or clamping mode. In grasping mode, tool assembly 27 isconfigured to operate as a grasping jaw mechanism, i.e., anvil assembly28 is movable in relation to cartridge assembly 26 to grasp tissuetherebetween, back and forth between open and approximated positions. Inclamping mode, tool assembly 27 is configured to operate as a clampingmechanism, i.e., anvil assembly 28 is movable in relation to cartridgeassembly 26 to grasp tissue therebetween and apply linear rows ofstaples. In the clamping mode, the user must retract retractor knobs 15to open tool assembly 27 and release the tissue. Slide buttons 40 and 45each include a raised surface 40 a and 45 a, respectively. Raisedsurfaces 40 a and 45 a are configured to be engaged by the surgeon'sfinger to move slide buttons 40 and 45 within recesses 42, respectively.As to be appreciated, alternatives to slide buttons 40 and 45 are alsocontemplated, e.g., knobs, levers, depressible buttons, toggles, triggerassemblies, etc.

Handle assembly 13 includes a housing 12 formed from a pair of moldedhalf-sections 12 a and 12 b, which forms stationary handle 18 and barrelportion 19 of handle assembly 13. Half-sections 12 a and 12 b are formedof a thermoplastic material, e.g., polycarbonate. Alternately, othermaterials having the requisite strength requirements may be used to formhousing 12, e.g., surgical grade metals. Housing 12 half-sections 12 aand 12 b are secured to each other using known fastening techniques,e.g., adhesives, welding, interlocking structure, screws, etc.Alternately, other fastening techniques may be used.

Referring to FIG. 3, movable handle 20 is rotatably supported betweenhousing half-sections 12 a and 12 b about a cylindrical member (notshown) which is received within an opening 31 within movable handle 20.A biasing member (not shown), e.g., a torsion spring, may be included tourge movable handle 20 away from stationary handle 18 to anon-compressed position. Movable handle 20 includes a pair ofthroughbores 33 dimensioned to receive a pivot member 34. An advancementpawl 35 is rotatably supported on pivot member 34 and is biased by aspring 36 towards an actuation shaft 90.

Actuation member or actuation shaft 90 is slidably supported betweenretracted and advanced positions within barrel portion 19 of housing 12and includes a distal end defining a recess 94 configured to rotatablyreceive the proximal end 97 of a control rod 95. Actuation shaft 90includes a toothed rack 92. Advancement pawl 35 has an engagement finger35 a which is biased by spring 36 towards toothed rack 92 of actuationshaft 90. When movable handle 20 is actuated, i.e., is pivoted towardsstationary handle 18 against the bias of a torsion spring (not shown),engagement finger 35 a of pawl 35 engages toothed rack 92 of actuationshaft 90 to advance actuation shaft 90 and control rod 95 distally.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5-8, a vertical pawl 120 is a pawl, plate, orother engagement member or locking member slidably positioned in a slot121 (see FIG. 15) defined between housing half-sections 12 a and 12 b.Vertical pawl 120 is movable from an extended or upward position inwhich the tip 125 of vertical pawl 120 engages a cutout 93 formed in thedistal end of actuation shaft 90, to a retracted or downward position inwhich tip 125 of vertical pawl 120 is spaced from actuation shaft 90. Aspring 130 supported between housing half-sections 12 a and 12 b ispositioned to bias vertical pawl 120 to the extended position. In theextended position, vertical pawl 120 prevents advancement of actuationshaft 90 to prevent firing of device 10.

A plunger 30 is reciprocably supported between spaced cylindricalchannels (not shown) formed in housing half-sections 12 a and 12 b.Plunger 30 includes a cam member 32. A spring (not shown) may bepositioned on each end of plunger 30 within spaced cylindrical channels(not shown) to urge plunger 30 to a position wherein cam member 32 iscentrally positioned between a pair of cam surfaces 122 formed onvertical pawl 120 (see FIG. 7). Each cam surface 122 has a recess 124formed therein for releasably receiving cam member 32 of plunger 30.

Each end 30 a of plunger 30 extends through stationary handle 18 and canbe pressed against the bias of a spring (not shown) to force cam member32 into engagement with a respective one of cam surfaces 122 on verticalpawl 120. When cam member 32 is moved into engagement with one of camsurfaces 122, vertical pawl 120 is urged from the extended position tothe retracted position to move tip 125 of vertical pawl 120 out ofcutout 93 of actuation shaft 90 (see FIGS. 19-23). The positioning ofcam member 32 in recess 124 of a respective cam surface 122 retainsvertical pawl 120 in the retracted position.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, a locking cam assembly 107 is supportedbetween retracted and advanced positions within barrel portion 19 ofhousing 12 (see FIG. 1) and includes a spring support 110 and a cammember 100 having a tip 102 and a proximal surface 100 a. Plunger 30 isreceived within an annular recess 112, shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, definedin a bottom side of spring support 110 to maintain spring support 110between housing half-sections 12 a and 12 b. Cam member 100 is slidablyreceived in a slot 115 defined in spring support 110. Cam member 100 ismovable from an extended or distal position in which tip 102 of cammember 100 engages tip 125 of vertical pawl 120, to a retracted orproximal position in which tip 102 of cam member 100 is spaced fromvertical pawl 120. In the retracted position, surface 100 a of cammember 100 is spaced from spring support 110. Cam member 100 is biasedproximally by a spring 105 which is secured at one end to a recess 104defined in the distal end of cam member 100 and is configured at theopposite end to engage an extension 114 formed by slot 115 in springsupport 110. In the extended or distal position, tip 102 of cam member100 engages tip 125 of vertical pawl 120 to retain vertical pawl 120 inthe retracted position.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 9, and 11, movable handle 20 includes a graspingpawl assembly 67 operatively associated with slide buttons 40 and 45.Grasping pawl assembly 67 is configured for movement with respectthereto in response to manipulation of slide buttons 40 and 45. Graspingpawl assembly 67 includes a slider or other engagement member such aspawl arm 50 and grasping pawl 60. Pawl arm 50 has a sloped surface 55defined on an outturned portion 52 of a top end of pawl arm 50, andgrasping pawl 60 is pivotally supported within outturned portion 52 ofpawl arm 50. A top end of slide button 45 includes an in-turned portion46 having an extension 48 a that defines a recessed groove 48. Recessedgroove 48 is dimensioned and configured to slidably receive an extension58 a defined by a recessed groove 58 in a bottom end of pawl arm 50.Reciprocally, recessed groove 58 in pawl arm 50 is dimensioned andconfigured for slidably receiving extension 48 a of slide button 45. Abottom end of slide button 45 includes an opening 41 a configured toreceive a connector pin 44 therethrough. A cylindrical receptacle 40 bextends outwardly from an inner surface of slide button 40 and isconfigured and dimensioned to translate within a longitudinal slot 42 aformed in recess 42 of movable handle 20. Connector pin 44 isdimensioned to be received within receptacle 40 b to secure slide button45 to slide button 40. A protrusion 47 is disposed on a lateral surfaceof slide button 45 configured to be received in a snap-fit manner withina pair of detents 108 a and 108 b defined within movable handle 20 (seeFIG. 4), as will be discussed in further detail below.

Outturned portion 52 of pawl arm 50 includes a recessed groove 53 havinga pair of throughbores 57 dimensioned to slidably receive a pivot pin56. A biasing spring 64 is configured at one end for insertablyreceiving a pivot pin 62 therein and is insertably received withinrecessed groove 53 at the other end. Grasping pawl 60 includes a pair oflateral extensions 60 a and 60 b defining a recess 60 c. Pivot pin 56 isreceived by an opening 61 in a bottom end of grasping pawl 60. Pivot pin62 is pivotally received within recess 60 c such that grasping pawl 60is pivotal in a proximal direction about pivot pin 62 in relation topawl arm 50. Recessed groove 53 is dimensioned to accommodate thepivoted motion of grasping pawl 60 between a straight position, i.e.,along the longitudinal axis of pawl arm 50, and a proximal or rearwardposition. Lateral extension 60 a is configured to contact a surface 53 aof recessed groove 53, such that the pivoting motion of grasping pawl 60is restricted to a proximal direction from a straight position withrespect to pawl arm 50. Lateral extension 60 b is configured to pivotthrough groove 53 in portion 52 to allow pivoting motion of graspingpawl 60 into the proximal or rearward position. In the proximal orrearward position, lateral extension 60 b depresses pivot pin 62, andthus spring 64, within a bore 63 defined in outturned portion 52 (seeFIG. 23).

Referring to FIG. 17, handle assembly 13 (see FIG. 1) further includes ayoke 80 configured to return device 10 to the default grasping mode,such that slide buttons 40 and 45 are returned to the upward position tourge grasping pawl 60 into engagement with a slot in the distal endportion of toothed rack 92, as will be discussed in detail below. Yoke80 is rotatably supported within stationary handle 18 about acylindrical member (not shown) which is received within an opening 82within yoke 80. A pair of arms 80 a and 80 b extend laterally fromopening 82. Upon movement of movable handle 20 in the directionindicated by arrow “A” (see FIG. 19), i.e., pivoted towards stationaryhandle 18, slide buttons 40 and 45 are movable from an upward positionin which grasping pawl 60 is engaged in a slot 92 b in toothed rack 92of actuation shaft 90, to a downward position in which grasping pawl 60is spaced from toothed rack 92 of actuation shaft 90. When grasping pawl60 is positioned within slot 92 b, only limited advancement andretraction of the actuation shaft 90 will occur upon operation ofmovable handle 20, allowing device 10 to operate in the grasping mode.In the upward position, protrusion 47 on slide button 45 is positionedwithin detent 108 a. Downward movement of slide button 45 causesdownward movement of protrusion 47 from detent 108 a into detent 108 b,as seen in FIG. 4. Reception of protrusion 47 within detents 108 a and108 b provides the surgeon with an audible and/or tactile response toindicate a change in position/mode of slide buttons 40 and 45. Duringmovement of movable handle 20 in the direction indicated by arrow “C”(see FIG. 21), i.e., movement towards its initial position that isspaced from stationary handle 18, a cam member 84 formed at the distalend of arm 80 a slidably engages a camming surface 25 defined on aproximal side of movable handle 20 effecting clockwise rotation of yoke80, such that arm 80 b of yoke 80 engages a post 43 formed on the topend of slide button 45 to urge slide buttons 40 and 45 in the directionindicated by arrow “E” in FIG. 18 into the upward position. As shown inFIG. 23, grasping pawl 60 is moved downward by slot 92 a in toothed rack92 of actuation shaft 90.

FIGS. 24-32 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the presentlydisclosed grasper pawl assembly shown generally as 267. Referring toFIGS. 24 and 25, grasper pawl assembly 267 is substantially as describedabove with respect to assembly 67 but includes additional features whichwill be discussed in detail below. As with assembly 67 grasper pawlassembly 267 includes a pawl arm 250, a grasper pawl 260, a yoke 280 andslide buttons or switches 240 and 245. These elements functionsubstantially as described above and will not be discussed in furtherdetail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 25-27, grasper pawl assembly 267 further includes agrasper adapter block assembly including a grasper adapter block 300which houses a pawl latch 302 and a disconnect member 304. Adapter block300 includes a first recess 306 (FIG. 26) for slidably receiving pawllatch 302 and a second recess 308 for slidably receiving disconnectmember 304. Each of pawl latch 302 and disconnect member 304 has lengthwhich is greater than the length of adapter block 300 such that theproximal and distal ends of latch 302 and member 304 extend fromopposite ends of adapter block 300.

Pawl latch 302 has a proximal end 302 a having an angled surface 302 band a tapered distal end 302 c defining a catch member 302 d. Disconnectmember 304 includes tapered or rounded distal and proximal ends 304 aand 304 b. A biasing member or spring 310 is positioned in each ofrecesses 306 and 308 to urge pawl latch 302 and disconnect member 304proximally.

Referring to FIG. 28, vertical pawl 320 includes a tip 320 a andfunctions substantially as described above with respect to vertical pawl120. Vertical pawl 320 includes an upper throughbore 322 and a lowerthroughbore 324. Upper throughbore 322 defines a stepped lip 322 a whichincludes a tapered face 326. Lower throughbore 324 includes a taperedlower edge 328.

Adaptor block 300 is supported in handle assembly 213 such that thedistal end of pawl latch 302 and disconnect member 304 are positionedadjacent vertical pawl 320. The proximal end of pawl latch 302 ispositioned to engage sloped surface 255 of pawl aim 250 upon actuationof movable handle 220 when the pawl assembly 267 is in the grasper modeand pawl arm 250 is extended. When pawl assembly is retracted by movingslide buttons or switches 240 and 245 (FIG. 25) downwardly on movablehandle 220, the proximal surface of disconnect member 304 is positionedto engage sloped surface 255 of pawl arm 250 when movable handle 220 isactuated.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, operation of adapter block 300 of pawlassembly 267 will now be described. When movable handle 220 is in itsrest position spaced from stationary handle 218, pawl arm 250 isextended upwardly with sloped surface 255 spaced from the proximal endsof latch pawl 302 and disconnect member 304. Vertical pawl 320 is biasedupwardly into engagement with the distal end of rack 292.

Referring to FIG. 31, when movable handle 220 is moved in the directionindicated by arrow “A” towards stationary handle 218 (FIG. 24), slopedsurface 255 of pawl arm 250 engages the proximal end of latch pawl 302to advance latch pawl 302 distally along first recess 306 of adapterblock 300 into upper throughbore 322 of vertical pawl 320. When thisoccurs, tapered distal end 302 c (FIGS. 26 and 27) engages tapered face326 of vertical pawl 320 to urge vertical pawl 320 downwardly out ofengagement with rack 292. Catch member 302 d receives stepped lip 322 aof vertical pawl 320 to retain latch pawl 302 within upper throughbore322 to lock vertical pawl 320 in a retracted position. Thus, verticalpawl 320 is prevented from engaging rack 292 and device 10 (FIG. 1) canbe operated in grasper mode.

Referring to FIG. 32, when pawl arm 250 is pulled downwardly, by movingslide buttons 240 and 245, in the direction indicated by arrow “B” andmovable handle 220 is moved towards stationary handle 218 in thedirection indicated by arrow “A”, sloped surface 255 of pawl arm 250engages proximal end 304 b of disconnect member 304 and advancesdisconnect member 304 distally (See FIGS. 26 and 27). When this occurs,tapered distal end 304 a of disconnect member 304 engages tapered loweredge 328 (FIGS. 26 and 27) of vertical pawl 320 and enters lowerthroughbore 324. Engagement between tapered distal end 304 a ofdisconnect member 304 and tapered lower edge 328 of vertical pawl 320urges vertical pawl 320 downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow“C” to disengage catch member 302 d from stepped lip 322 a. When thisoccurs, pawl latch 302 is moved by spring 310 to its retracted positionspaced from vertical pawl 320. Thus, when movable handle 220 is returnedto its rest position, disconnect member 304 is returned to its retractedposition, spaced from vertical pawl 320, and vertical pawl 320 movesinto engagement with rack 292 to prevent rack 292 from returning to itsretracted position.

FIGS. 33-36A illustrate a surgical stapling device 400 including analternative embodiment of the presently disclosed grasper jaw mechanism500. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 33-36A, surgical stapling device400 includes an elongated member which extends distally from a handleassembly 413, and a DLU which is releasably secured to a distal end ofthe elongated member. The elongated member and the DLU of staplingdevice 400 are substantially as described above with respect toelongated member 14 and DLU 16 of stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) and willnot be described in further detail herein. Handle assembly 413 alsoincludes a stationary handle 418 and a movable handle 420 which isrotatably supported between half-sections of handle assembly housing 412as discussed above with respect to handle 20 of stapling device 10 (FIG.1). A light spring or biasing member 422 (FIG. 33A) is provided to urgemovable handle 420 away from stationary handle 418 from a compressedposition (FIG. 33) to a non-compressed position (FIG. 34A). Anadvancement pawl 435 (FIG. 33) is pivotally supported about a pivotmember 436 and urged towards a toothed rack 492 of an actuation shaft490 by a biasing member 491. Actuation shaft 490 is substantiallyidentical to actuation shaft 90 (FIG. 3) of surgical device 10 (FIG. 1)and will only be described in further detail as it relates to thedescription of grasper jaw mechanism 402. Handle assembly 413 alsoincludes a vertical pawl 430 which is similar to vertical pawl 120 (FIG.3) of stapling device 10. More specifically, vertical pawl 430 is urgedupwardly by a biasing member 512 into engagement with a cutout 493formed in a distal end of actuation shaft 490. When vertical pawl 430 ispositioned within cutout 493 of actuation shaft 490, actuation shaft 490is prevented from moving and the jaws of DLU 16 (FIG. 1) are preventedfrom opening.

Grasper jaw mechanism 500 includes a disconnect link assembly 502 and anactuator assembly 504. As will be discussed in further detail below,disconnect link assembly 502 functions to prevent engagement of verticalpawl 430 with actuation shaft 490 when handle assembly 413 is in graspermode to allow for proximal and distal movement of actuation shaft 490.Actuator assembly 504 prevents the movable handle 420 from returningfully to the non-compressed position when handle assembly 413 is ingrasper mode to prevent advancement pawl 435 from engaging toothed rack492. By doing this, operation of movable handle 420 is prevented fromadvancing actuation shaft 490 distally beyond the clamped position ofDLU 16 (FIG. 1) when handle assembly 413 is in grasper mode. Actuatorassembly 504 also operatively connects movable handle 420 to actuationshaft 490 to allow a surgeon to unclamp the jaws of DLU 16 (FIG. 1) bymanually moving movable handle 420 to the non-compressed position.

Referring to FIGS. 33-34B, disconnect link assembly 502 includes aproximal link 506 and a distal link 508. Proximal link 506 has aproximal end pivotally secured to a cylindrical boss 509 (FIGS. 33-34A)formed on movable handle 420 and a distal end pivotally secured to aproximal end of distal link 508. Distal link 508 is linearly slidablealong a track defined within housing 412 of handle assembly 413 andincludes an angled stepped portion 508 a formed at its proximal end.Distal link 508 is slidably positioned to engage a cam surface 510formed on or through vertical pawl 430. As discussed above, verticalpawl 430 is urged upwardly by a biasing member 512 into engagement witha cutout 493 formed in actuation shaft 490 to prevent movement ofactuation shaft 490 after DLU 16 (FIG. 1) has been moved to a clampedposition. When stepped portion 508 a of distal link 508 is moveddistally into engagement with cam surface 510 of vertical pawl 430 bymoving movable handle 420 towards stationary handle 418, vertical pawl430 is moved downwardly against the bias of biasing member 512 out ofengagement with actuation shaft 490. When this occurs, actuation shaft490 is free to move proximally as will be discussed in further detailbelow.

Referring also to FIGS. 35-36A, actuator assembly 504 includes anactuator button or switch 514 and, a slider or other engagement membersuch as a pawl arm 516 and a grasping pawl 518. Pawl arm 516 is slidablyreceived in a recess 520 formed in movable handle 420. A biasing member522, e.g., a coil spring, is positioned within recess 520 (FIG. 33A) tourge pawl arm 516 towards an extended position. Pawl arm 516 has upperand lower spaced triangular cam surfaces 516 a and 516 b which will bediscussed in further detail below. Grasping pawl 518 is pivotallysupported within a slot formed in a distal end of pawl arm 516. Abiasing member 524 is positioned to urge grasping pawl 518 in acounter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 33. Pivoting movement ofgrasping pawl 518 allows pawl arm 518 to ratchet or slide over toothedrack 492 of actuation shaft 490.

Actuator button 514 is slidably positioned through a bore 526 (FIG. 35C)formed in movable handle 420 from a centered position (FIGS. 35-35C) toan off-center position (FIGS. 36-36A). Bore 526 is substantiallyorthogonal to recess 520 such that actuator button 514 is slidablypositioned between upper and lower cam surfaces 516 a and 516 b of pawlarm 516. In one embodiment, actuator button 514 is substantiallycylindrical and includes a linear rib 528 and a v-shaped cam member 530.V-shaped cam member 530 defines a slot 532 (FIG. 36) which is configuredto receive lower cam surface 516 b of pawl arm 516 when actuator button514 is in the centered position and pawl arm 516 is in a extendedposition with recess 520. Actuator button 514 defines recesses 534 (FIG.36) on opposite sides of slot 532. Opposite ends of actuator button 514extend from opposite sides of housing 412 of handle assembly 413 and canbe pressed by a surgeon from either side of handle assembly 413 to moveactuator button 514 linearly through bore 526 in either direction tomove actuator button 514 from the centered position to the off-centerposition. When actuator button 514 is moved linearly within bore 526,lower cam surface 516 b is engaged by v-shaped cam member 530 to urgepawl arm 516 from its initial, extended position, downwardly withinrecess 520 to its retracted position. When actuator button 514 is movedlinearly to its off-center position and pawl arm 516 is cammed to itsretracted position, the apex of lower cam surface 516 b is receivedwithin one of recesses 534 to retain actuator button 514 in its actuatedposition. See FIGS. 36-36A. When pawl arm 516 is moved to the retractedposition, grasping pawl 518 is also moved from an initial extendedposition, to a retracted position and is withdrawn from slot 536 ofactuation shaft 490.

In its initial or original position shown in FIG. 33, actuator button514 is in its centered position and pawl arm 516 is urged to itsextended position by biasing member 522. When pawl arm 516 is in itsextended position, grasping pawl 518 is positioned to extend into a slot536 (FIG. 35A) formed in actuation shaft 490. When movable handle 420 isactuated, advancement pawl 435 engages an abutment 538 on actuationshaft 490 (FIG. 33) to advance the actuation shaft 490 distally to moveDLU 16 to a clamped position as discussed above. As movable handle 420is compressed towards stationary handle 418, distal link 508 is alsomoved distally such that stepped portion 508 a of distal link 508engages cam surface 510 of vertical pawl 430 to urge vertical pawl 430downwardly against the bias of spring 512 away from actuation shaft 490.When movable handle 420 is returned to its non-compressed position byspring 422, grasping pawl 518 engages the proximal portion 536 a (FIG.34) of actuation shaft 490 defining slot 536 to retain movable handle inan intermediate position between the non-compressed and compressedpositions. It is noted that spring 422 is a light spring which cannotmove actuation shaft 490 proximally because of fiction associated withthe components of DLU 16 (FIG. 11) driven by actuation shaft 490.However, a surgeon can manipulate movable handle 420 to move actuationshaft 490 and, thus, move DLU 16 (FIG. 1) between an undamped positionand a clamped position. Because vertical pawl 430 is retained in itsretracted position by distal link 508, actuation shaft 490 is permittedto move proximally. It is noted that movable handle 420 is preventedfrom moving to the non-compressed position by engagement of graspingpawl 518 with proximal portion 536 a of slot 536. This prevents movablehandle 420 from retracting distal shaft 90 to engage a pair of angledcam slots 71 formed through release plate 70. In this way, release plate70 is operatively associated with actuation shaft 90 and is mounted formovement with respect thereto in response to manipulation of retractorknobs 15.

Referring to FIGS. 33A, 34A and 36-36A, when movable handle 420 is movedto the compressed position and actuator button 514 is moved from thecentered position to the off-center position, v-shaped cam member 530engages cam surface 510 on pawl arm 516 to retract pawl arm 516 withinrecess 520 (FIG. 33A) of movable handle 420 and retract grasping pawl518 from within slot 536 of actuation shaft 490. When grasping pawl 518is removed from slot 536, biasing member 422 returns movable handle 420to its non-compressed position (FIG. 34A). When this occurs, distal link508 is pulled proximally by movable handle 420, disengaging steppedportion 508 a of distal link 508 from cam surface 510 of vertical pawl430. Vertical pawl 430 is moved by biasing member 512 into engagementwith cutout 493 in actuation shaft 490 to prevent proximal movement ofactuation shaft 490. Thus, when movable handle 420 is again moved to thecompressed position, advancement pawl 435 (FIG. 33) engages toothed rack492 of actuation shaft 490 to fire DLU 16 (FIG. 1) in the mannerdiscussed above with respect to surgical device 10. As actuation shaft490 is moved distally, vertical pawl 430 ratchets or slides over toothedrack 492 of shaft 490.

As illustrated in FIG. 35B, in one embodiment, when actuator button 514has been actuated and is in its off-center position, linear rib 528 ismoved to a position to engage a cam surface 544 positioned on an innerwall of housing 412. Cam surface 544 includes an angled face which ispositioned to engage linear rib 528 when movable handle 420 returns toits non-compressed position to return actuator button 514 to itscentered position.

As discussed above, actuator button 514 is supported on movable handle420 and extends through opposite sides of housing 412 of handle assembly413. In order to facilitate, movement of actuator button 514 withmovable handle 420, arc shaped slots (not shown) are provided in housing412. In one embodiment, raised surfaces or bosses are provided about aportion of the arc shaped slots which prevent depressing actuator button514 until movable handle 420 has been moved to a compressed position. Asdiscussed above, the grasping pawl 518 is pivotably supported at adistal end of pawl arm 516. In other embodiments, the assembly isdimensioned so that the actuator button 514 moves the pawl arm 516 awayfrom the teeth of the actuation shaft. As discussed above, the surgicaldevice is initially in the grasper mode, with the grasping pawl 518 inengagement with the actuation shaft and the actuator button 514 movesthe grasping pawl 518 into a position in which the grasping pawl 518 nolonger moves the actuation shaft as the movable handle 420 is pivoted.In other embodiments, the surgical device is initially in an alternatemode, with the grasping pawl 518 in a position in which the graspingpawl 518 does not move the actuation shaft as the movable handle 420 ispivoted. When the actuator button is pushed, the grasping pawl is movedinto a position in which the grasping pawl 518 moves the actuation shaftas the movable handle 420 is pivoted.

In each embodiment discussed above, retractor knobs are manually graspedto retract the actuation shaft. For example, a retraction mechanismwhich includes retractor knobs 15 (see FIG. 1) is connected to theproximal end of actuation shaft 90 by a coupling rod 96. Coupling rod 96includes left and right engagement portions 96 a and 96 b which extendthrough elongated slots 17 formed in housing half-sections 12 a and 12 band are configured to receive retractor knobs 15. A central portion of96 c of coupling rod 96 is dimensioned and configured to be slidablyreceived within a pair of opposed slots 98 formed in actuation shaft 90adjacent the proximal end thereof. A release plate 70 is supported onone side of actuation shaft 90 by a pair of spaced apart pins 91 (seeFIG. 3). Pins 91 extend outwardly from a lateral face of actuation shaft90 to engage a pair of angled cam slots 71 formed through release plate70. In this way, release plate 70 is operatively associated withactuation shaft 90 and is mounted for movement with respect thereto inresponse to manipulation of retractor knobs 15.

In use, when retractor knobs 15 are pulled rearwardly or proximally,coupling rod 96 initially moves release plate 70 rearward in relation toactuation shaft 90 as coupling rod 96 slides in slots 98 of actuationshaft 90. As this occurs, release plate 70 is moved downwardly by pins91 with respect to actuation shaft 90 thereby covering toothed rack 92to disengage engaging finger 35 a of advancement pawl 35 from toothedrack 92. Once coupling rod 96 reaches a position at which it engages theproximal end of slots 98, additional rearward movement of retractorknobs 15 causes retraction of actuation shaft 90 and thus retraction ofcontrol rod 95 rearwardly. Actuation shaft 90 is biased proximally byspring 64 76 which is secured at one end to coupling rod portion 96 cvia a connector 75 and at the other end to a post 77 on actuation shaft90.

In certain embodiments discussed above, the surgical stapling device isinitially in the grasping mode. For example, surgical stapling device 10is initially in the grasping mode. Referring to FIG. 19, movable handle20 is manipulated to open and approximate cartridge assembly 26 andanvil assembly 28, back and forth, in a reciprocal fashion. Movablehandle 20 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow “A” through agrasping stroke, wherein movable handle 20 is pivoted towards stationaryhandle 18 against the bias of a torsion spring (not shown) to moveengagement finger 35 a of advancement pawl 35 into engagement with ashoulder 99 formed on actuation shaft 90. Subsequent movement of movablehandle 20 through the grasping stroke rotates pawl arm 50counter-clockwise. Counter-clockwise rotation of pawl arm 50 causessloped surface 55 of outturned portion 52 of pawl arm 50 to engageproximal surface 100 a of cam member 100, biasing cam member 100 intothe extended or distal position. In the extended or distal position, tip102 of cam member 100 engages tip 125 of vertical pawl 120 to retainvertical pawl 120 in the retracted position (see FIG. 20). In theretracted position, vertical pawl 120 is spaced from actuation shaft 90,allowing actuation shaft 90 to return to the retracted position uponsubsequent movement of movable handle 20 in the direction indicated byarrow “C.”

Referring to FIG. 21, after movable handle 20 has been actuated toapproximate cartridge and anvil assemblies 26 and 28, and movable handle20 is released by the user, a biasing member (not shown) returns movablehandle 20 in the direction indicated by arrow “C” to its initialposition. As movable handle 20 returns to its initial position, arm 80 bof yoke 80 slides slide buttons 40, 45 upwardly, so that device 10remains in grasping mode. Sliding slide buttons 40, 45 downwardlychanges the mode of device 10 to the clamping mode, so that subsequentmovement of movable handle 20 in the direction “A” clamps cartridgeassembly 26 and anvil assembly 28 onto tissue. Vertical pawl 120 movesinto engagement with cutout 93 in actuation shaft 90 to lock actuationshaft 90 in position. When plunger 30 is pressed inward towards housinghalf-sections 12 a and 12 b, cam member 32 of plunger 30 engages camsurfaces 122 of vertical pawl 120 such that cam member 32 is releasablyreceived in recesses 124 to urge vertical pawl 120 in the directionindicated by arrow “D” in FIG. 22 to its retracted position. In theretracted position, tip 125 of vertical pawl 120 is outside of cutout 93in actuation shaft 90 and device 10 is in the grasping-ready mode.Vertical pawl 120 is maintained in the retracted position by engagementbetween cam member 32 of plunger 30 and recesses 124 on cam surfaces 122of vertical pawl 120. In this position, vertical pawl 120 is in theextended position with tip 125 of vertical pawl 120 positioned withincutout 93 in actuation shaft 90, thus preventing further advancement ofactuation shaft 90. In the extended position, cam member 32 of plunger30 is aligned between cam surfaces 122 of vertical pawl 120.

Movable handle 20 returns to its initial position and urges yoke 80 torotate clockwise. Clockwise rotation of yoke 80 forces arm 80 b of yoke80 to engage post 43 on slide button 45 to urge slide buttons 40 and 45into the upward position. In the upward position, grasping pawl 60 ispivotally biased downward by slot 92 a in toothed rack 92, instead ofslot 92 b, as toothed rack 92 has been advanced (see FIG. 23). Device 10is now in a fire-ready mode. Movable handle 20 is moved in the directionindicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 19 through a second, firing stroke,during which advancement pawl 35 engages toothed rack 92 of actuationshaft 90 to advance actuation shaft 90 and control rod 95 distally.Referring again to FIG. 19, as actuation shaft 90 moves distally,shoulder 99 formed on actuation shaft 90 engages vertical pawl 120 tomove vertical pawl 120 downwardly to disengage cam member 32 of plunger30 from cam surfaces 122 of vertical pawl 120 and allow spring (notshown) to return plunger 30 to the neutral position, i.e., in anon-compressed position. Subsequent motion of movable handle 20 in thedirection indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 21 further advances toothedrack 92. Retractor knobs 15 are used to retract actuation shaft 90 andthus control rod 95 rearwardly, realigning grasping pawl 60 within slot92 b of toothed rack 92. Device 10 is now returned to the grasping-readymode.

Often in endoscopic procedures, tissue must be manipulated or pulledaside to allow surgeons to access and/or view the tissue site beforeclamping and stapling can be performed. Selectable modes of operationappreciated by the present disclosure allows surgeons the benefit ofoperating device 10 in the grasping mode wherein tool assembly 27 may bemanipulated by operation of movable handle 20 to grasp and manipulatetissue before easily switching device 10 to the clamping mode ofoperation wherein tool assembly 27 is configured to clamp tissue andapply staples. The mechanisms discussed above may be used to changebetween modes, in surgical devices other than stapling devices. DLUsother than a stapling DLU may be used.

FIG. 14 illustrates operation of the retraction mechanism of device 10.In use, when retractor knobs 15 are pulled rearwardly by a surgeon,coupling rod 96 initially moves release plate 70 rearwardly in relationto actuation shaft 90 as coupling rod 96 slides in slots 98 of actuationshaft 90 such that pins 91 cam release plate 70 downwardly to a positioncovering toothed rack 92 of actuation shaft 90 and disengaging finger125 of pawl 120 from toothed rack 92. When coupling rod 96 is pulledrearwardly to a position at which it engages the back end of slots 98,additional rearward movement of retractor knobs 15 will effect proximalmovement of actuation shaft 90 and control rod 95.

Device 10 starts out in grasping mode, per FIGS. 19 and 20. Movablehandle 20 can be moved back and forth to open and close the jaws of toolassembly 27. Vertical pawl 120 is disengaged from toothed rack 92 andgrasping pawl 60 is engaged in slot 92 b.

Sliding slide buttons 40, 45 down moves grasping pawl 60 away from slot92 b and pawl arm 50 away from cam member 100 of locking cam assembly107. When movable handle 20 is manipulated to clamp tissue, graspingpawl 60 moves into slot 92 a such that vertical pawl 120 engages cutout93. Plunger 30 is pushed and releases vertical pawl 120. When movablehandle 20 is manipulated, advancement pawl 35 advances toothed rack 92,firing staples. Multiple strokes of movable handle 20 are used toadvance toothed rack 92, with advancement pawl 35 repeatedly engagingand disengaging toothed rack 92. Yoke 80 maintains slide buttons 40, 45in the upward position during firing. After retractor knobs 15 are usedto retract toothed rack 92, grasping pawl 60 is aligned with slot 92 band device 10 is in the grasping mode again.

In an alternative embodiment, surgical stapling device 10 may beprovided with a grasping mode, but without plunger 30. In thisembodiment, vertical pawl 120 and locking cam assembly 107 are removed.

Device 10 starts in grasping mode, per FIGS. 19 and 20. Movable handle20 can be moved back and forth to open and close the jaws of toolassembly 27 as grasping pawl 60 is engaged in slot 92 b. Vertical pawl120 and locking cam assembly 107 are removed in this embodiment.

Sliding slide buttons 40, 45 down moves grasping pawl 60 away from slot92 b. When movable handle 20 is manipulated to clamp tissue, graspingpawl 60 moves into slot 92 a. As movable handle 20 is furthermanipulated, advancement pawl 35 advances toothed rack 92 and firesstaples. Multiple strokes of movable handle 20 are used to advancetoothed rack 92, with advancement pawl 35 repeatedly engaging anddisengaging toothed rack 92. Yoke 80 maintains slide buttons 40, 45 inthe upward position during firing. After retractor knobs 15 are used toretract toothed rack 92, grasping pawl 60 is aligned with slot 92 b anddevice 10 is in the grasping mode again.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. For example, it is envisioned that thesurgical stapling device disclosed may be used in association with othersurgical devices, e.g., clip appliers, dissectors, electrosurgicalsealing devices, etc. Further, the device may also include toolassemblies other than staplers or those devices which eject a fastener,e.g., sealing devices (electrosurgical and non-electrosurgical), etc.The button or other actuator for changing the mode of operation for thedevice may be provided on one side or both sides of the handle assembly.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

1. A surgical device comprising: a handle assembly including anactuation shaft, a stationary handle, and a movable handle, the movablehandle being operably associated with the actuation shaft such thatmovement of the movable handle effects axial movement of the actuationshaft; an elongated member extending distally from the handle assembly,the elongated member defining a longitudinal axis; a tool assemblymounted to a distal end of the elongated member, the tool assemblyhaving a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples supportedtherein and an anvil assembly, at least one of the anvil assembly andthe cartridge assembly being movable in relation to each other betweenopen and closed positions; a mode selection mechanism configured toalternate the surgical device between a first mode of operation and asecond mode of operation, the mode selection mechanism including aswitch for selecting between the first mode of operation, in which thecartridge assembly and anvil assembly are movable back and forth betweenthe open and closed positions, and the second mode of operation, inwhich the cartridge assembly and anvil assembly clamp tissue; a camassembly operably associated with a vertical pawl, the vertical pawlbeing movable from a first position engaged with the actuation shaft toprevent axial movement of the actuation shaft and a second positiondisengaged from the actuation shaft to permit axial movement of theactuation shaft; and an arm movable between a first position engagedwith the actuation shaft and a second position disengaged from theactuation shaft, the cam assembly configured to move the vertical pawlto its second position upon movement of the movable handle when the armis in its first position and the cam assembly being configured to allowmovement of the vertical pawl from its second position to its firstposition upon movement of the movable handle when the arm is in itssecond position.
 2. The surgical device according to claim 1, whereinthe cam assembly comprises a disconnect member and a latch pawl, thelatch pawl operably associated with the vertical pawl in the first modeof operation, the disconnect member being operably associated with thevertical pawl in the second mode of operation, the latch pawl configuredto move the vertical pawl to its second position upon movement of themovable handle when the arm is in its first position, the disconnectmember configured to move the vertical pawl from its second position toits first position upon movement of the movable handle when the pawl armis in its second position.
 3. The surgical device according to claim 1,wherein the cam assembly comprises a distal link operably associatedwith the vertical pawl, the distal link movable between a proximalposition, to move the vertical pawl to its second position upon movementof the movable handle when the arm is in its second position, and adistal position to move the vertical pawl to its first position uponmovement of the movable handle when the arm is in its first position. 4.The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein movement of themovable handle when the arm is in its first position effects movement ofthe tool assembly between the open and closed positions, and whereinmovement of the movable handle away from the stationary handle when thearm is in its second position maintains the tool assembly in the closedposition and at least one subsequent movement of the movable handletoward the stationary handle when the arm is in its second positionfires staples from the tool assembly.
 5. A surgical device according toclaim 1, wherein the switch comprises at least one slide button slidablysupported on the movable handle, the at least one slide button operablyassociated with the arm and configured to move the arm between its firstand second positions.
 6. The surgical device according to claim 5,wherein the mode selection mechanism includes a pivotable yoke, thepivotable yoke being disposed in the handle assembly and having a firstarm for engaging the movable handle and a second arm for engaging theslide button to maintain the arm in the first position as the movablehandle moves away from the stationary handle.
 7. The surgical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the switch comprises an actuator buttonslidably supported through the movable handle, the actuator buttonoperably associated with the arm and configured to move linearly betweena centered position, to move the arm to its first position, and anoff-center position to move the arm to its second position.
 8. Asurgical device according to claim 1, wherein the handle assemblyincludes a rotation control member configured to facilitate rotation ofthe elongated member with respect to the handle portion.
 9. A surgicaldevice according to claim 1, wherein the tool assembly is configured tograsp tissue when the arm is in its first position and clamp tissue whenthe arm is in its second position.
 10. A surgical device according toclaim 1, wherein the mode selection mechanism is configured to retainthe surgical device in a default mode.
 11. A surgical device accordingto claim 1, wherein the handle portion includes an articulation actuatorconfigured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly.
 12. Asurgical device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated member isrotatable in relation to the handle portion.
 13. A surgical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first position of the arm isassociated with a first mode of operation of the device and the secondposition of the arm is associated with a second mode of operation of thedevice.
 14. A surgical device according to claim 13, wherein the firstmode of operation is an initial mode of operation.
 15. The surgicaldevice of claim 1, wherein when the arm is in its second position, anactuation shaft advancement mechanism advances the actuation shaft in adistal direction upon movement of the movable handle to move the toolassembly to the closed position, and wherein upon subsequent movement ofthe movable handle the actuation shaft advancement mechanism engages theactuating shaft to fire staples from the tool assembly.
 16. The surgicaldevice of claim 15, wherein the actuation shaft has teeth and theactuation shaft advancement mechanism is a pawl that engages anddisengages the teeth in an alternating fashion.
 17. The surgical deviceof claim 1, wherein the arm includes a grasping pawl that engages afirst slot defined in the actuation shaft when the arm is in the firstposition.
 18. The surgical device of claim 17, wherein the actuationshaft has a second slot disposed proximally of the first slot, thegrasping pawl being disposed in the second slot when the arm is in itssecond position.
 19. A surgical device comprising: a handle assemblyincluding an actuation shaft, a stationary handle, and a movable handle,the movable handle being operably associated with the actuation shaftsuch that movement of the movable handle effects axial movement of theactuation shaft; an elongated member extending distally from the handleassembly, the elongated member defining a longitudinal axis; a toolassembly mounted to a distal end of the elongated member, the toolassembly having a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staplessupported therein and an anvil assembly, at least one of the anvilassembly and the cartridge assembly being movable in relation to eachother between open and closed positions; a mode selection mechanismconfigured to alternate the surgical device between a first mode ofoperation and a second mode of operation, the mode selection mechanismincluding a switch for selecting between the first mode of operation, inwhich the cartridge assembly and anvil assembly are movable back andforth between the open and closed positions, and the second mode ofoperation, in which the cartridge assembly and anvil assembly clamptissue; a cam assembly operably associated with a vertical pawl, thevertical pawl being movable from a first position engaged with theactuation shaft to prevent axial movement of the actuation shaft and asecond position disengaged from the actuation shaft to permit axialmovement of the actuation shaft; and a pawl arm movable between a firstposition engaged with the actuation shaft and a second positiondisengaged from the actuation shaft, the cam assembly configured to movethe vertical pawl to its second position upon movement of the movablehandle when the pawl arm is in its first position and from its secondposition to its first position upon movement of the movable handle whenthe pawl arm is in its second position, wherein movement of the movablehandle during the first mode of operation effects movement of toolassembly between the open and closed positions, and wherein movement ofthe movable handle away from the stationary handle during the secondmode of operation maintains the tool assembly in the closed position andat least one subsequent movement of the movable handle toward thestationary handle during the second mode of operation fires staples fromthe tool assembly.
 20. A surgical device comprising: a handle assemblyincluding a housing defining a stationary handle, a shaft, and a movablehandle, the movable handle being operably associated with the shaft suchthat movement of the movable handle effects axial movement of the shaft;a tool assembly mounted to a distal end of an elongated member extendingdistally from the handle assembly, the tool assembly including acartridge assembly having a plurality of staples supported therein andan anvil assembly, at least one of the anvil assembly and the cartridgeassembly being movable in relation to each other between open and closedpositions; and a mode selection mechanism supported within the housing,the mode selection mechanism including a switch, a cam assembly, and apawl arm operably associated with the switch, the switch being movablebetween a first position and a second position, the first position beingassociated with a first mode of operation of the device and the secondposition being associated with a second mode of operation of the device,the shaft being engaged by the pawl arm in the first mode of operationand disengaged by the pawl arm in the second mode of operation, the camassembly being operably associated with a vertical pawl, the verticalpawl being movable from a first position engaged with the shaft toprevent axial movement of the shaft to a second position disengaged fromthe shaft to permit axial movement of the shaft, the cam assemblyconfigured to move the vertical pawl to its second position uponmovement of the movable handle when the pawl arm is in its firstposition and from its second position to its first position uponmovement of the movable handle when the pawl arm is in its secondposition, wherein movement of the movable handle during the first modeof operation effects movement of tool assembly between the open andclosed positions, and wherein movement of the movable handle away fromthe stationary handle during the second mode of operation maintains thetool assembly in the closed position and at least one subsequentmovement of the movable handle toward the stationary handle during thesecond mode of operation fires staples from the tool assembly.